Arsenal finally locate the perfect Mesut Ozil replacement
By Kian Long
At long last, Arsenal is preparing for life without Mesut Ozil…
It’s been a long time coming. I have always been a supporter of Mesut Ozil but it’s seemed inevitable for the last few seasons that he is surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium. I mean, it’s no coincidence that the last few transfer windows for Arsenal have been centred around whether he will leave or stay.
When Mikel Arteta arrived, it seemed like he was trying to reincorporate Ozil back into the starting XI but this project has failed. While his performances haven’t been disastrous, Ozil has played average at best which is not what Arteta will settle for.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal has started to prepare for life without Ozil. John Richardson claims that the Gunners have joined an emerging list of clubs interested in Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho. Although, if they did pursue the Brazilian, they would face competition in Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.
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Philippe Coutinho is everything Arsenal need. He is great going forward and he is equally great in midfield. He can play as either a central midfielder, trequartista (creative attacking midfielder) or winger. It’s this level of versatility which will help Arteta since Arsenal are renowned for hosting the odd injury.
Coutinho loves to dictate play and he is a driving force with the ball at his feet. He always has an eye for a pass, so he would be the ideal candidate to support Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his probing runs.
Coutinho is set to return to Barcelona this summer, but in all honesty, I can’t see him staying. His loan to the Bundesliga has been an unsuccessful one so Barca will likely wish to sell him, especially with Frenkie De Jong improving the side week by week.
Still, this is not indicative of Coutinho as a player. He is a real ball of energy and he can improve any Premier League side. He was by far and away Liverpool’s best player during his reign so it’s no surprise to see the big Premier League teams battling it out for him.
Arsenal should go above and beyond to secure the signature of Coutinho. Not only would he act as a good replacement for the loyal-serving Ozil, but he would just improve the side in general. It takes a lot to fill Ozil’s boots but at this point in time, Coutinho is the best player to do that.
Must Read. 5 reasons why Arsenal must sign Philippe Coutinho. light
Do you think Arsenal can sign Philippe Coutinho this summer?